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AHEPA FIFTH DISTRICT CELEBRATES ITS 78TH ANNUAL CONVENTION Monroe Township, New JerseyAHEPA FIFTH DISTRICT CELEBRATES ITS 78TH ANNUAL CONVENTION Monroe Township, New Jersey The Fifth District NJ/DE convention was held on June 5-7, 2009 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Monroe Township, New Jersey. The convention was hosted by the AHEPA Trenton Chapter #72. The convention provided a great forum for the Fightin¢ Fifth and its members. The local chapter had worked hard all throughout the year to host the annual meeting of our members and of our Daughters of Penelope. Also meeting at the District convention was the Sons of Pericles of our district. There were many Ahepans from all over the AHEPA domain that participated at the convention for the betterment of the future of our Order in the District. On Friday of the convention, registration began promptly under the supervision of none less than AHEPA National Board of Trustees member, PDG Lee Millas. Lee, Jim Knicos, PDG Herb Allen, local chapter President Asteris Fanikos and a host of Trenton Ahepans greeted the delegates and worked tirelessly throughout the weekend to ensure the success of the convention. Opening the Friday meeting was President Asteris Fanikos. Asteris opened the convention in traditional style by greeting the delegates and brought forth his father, District Governor Ted Fanikos to kick off the convention. From there, the delegates approved PDG Chris Diamantoukos to chair the convention. Other convention officers included Vice Chair Andy Zachariades, Secretaries Steve Marmarou and Dimitrios Rozanitis and Parliamentarian George Horiates. The evening concluded with an opening night reception in the hotel where the delegates were treated by the local chapter. Saturday started the convention in earnest with close to 60 delegates participating from throughout the 18 chapters in our domain. The morning session was highlighted by an appearance and presentation from AHEPA National Vice President Nick Karacostas. The final report of outgoing District Governor Ted Fanikos was also given at that time. Ted¢s report summarized the District¢s accomplishments throughout the year which included his visit to Greece last summer to put monies to use raised by the district for fire relief. Ted was able to assist in the refurbishing of a church, furnish computers to a school, and sponsor the expenses of a senior and a child, amongst many other things. The fall led to a successful district workshop, visitation to and fundraising for Saint Basil¢s, the Regional Benefit for Cooley¢s Anemia Foundation and Journey to Greece, participation in both the Philadelphia and New York Greek Independence Parades, the tremendously successful fundraiser for our Metropolis amongst other things. The convention also addressed other issues including the induction of the Sons of Pericles new district lodge under the guidance of District Sons Advisor PDG Ted Vittas, a review and emphasis on Hellenic cultural events and fundraising, a presentation on the application of a Greek Regional charter school in Northern New Jersey made by District Warden Sammy Thomas, a Hellenic and Cyprus affairs report by District Treasurer Savas Tsivicos, a report on the Odyssey school in Wilmington , DE by PDG George Righos, a district scholarship report by PDG Chris Sevast and AHEPA Fifth District Cancer Foundation Report by PDG Andy Zachariades. The convention also marked a concluding year end report by Supreme Governor PDG Louis Arvanitis both in his capacity as Supreme Governor as well as on behalf of the AHEPA Voice, and District chairman of the New York Greek Parade. The Trenton chapter kept the hard working delegates energized with door prizes, a presentation to all chapter presidents of special AHEPA medals as well as a terrific luncheon hosted by the local Daughters Chapter where the district scholarship recipients were recognized. The convention concluded with the elevation of Philip Vogis (Vogiatzoglou) (Ramapo Chapter #453) to the office of District Governor. The incoming District Governor gave an impassioned speech regarding his aspirations for the District and thanked the delegates for their support. District Governor Phil Vogis will be joined on the lodge by Lieutenant Governor George G. Horiates, Esq., District Secretary Savas Tsivicos, District Treasurer Bill Harrison, District Marshall Sammy Thomas, District Warden Dimitrios Rozanitis, District Athletic Advisor Nick Mariolis and Sons Advisor PDG Ted Vittas. The evening concluded with a Grand Banquet with many in attendance. His Eminence Metropolitan Evangelos presided over the Banquet. AHEPA Supreme Secretary Dr. John Grossmanides Jr. gave remarks as well. The banquet was a perfect end to the “Ahepan of the Year” as District Governor Ted Fanikos and Supreme Governor Louis Arvanitis gave eloquent responses. The highlight of the gala came with presentation of year end awards. The Chapter of the Year Award was presented to Camden #69. The Chapter President of the Year was Trenton #72 own Asteris Fanikos. The Chapter Secretary of the Year was from the Monroe Chapter #75 John Millas. Special Achievement awards were given to Eagle Rock #375 Peter Kokidis and Trenton #72 Spiro Spereas. A special award was presented by the district lodge officers honoring the achievements and tenure of Supreme Governor PDG Louis Arvanitis. Finally, the awards concluded by the naming of District “Ahepan of the Year”, Camden #69 member Brother Stelios Theodoris, whom received a rousing ovation from the crowd. Trenton Chapter #72 is to be commended for being gracious hosts and facilitating a productive and enjoyable convention. All Ahepans left renewed and re-committed to our Order. We hope for another productive year, great things from our new District Lodge under the guidance of District Governor Phil Vogis and look forward to next year¢s convention, to be hosted by Alexander Hamilton Chapter #54. SEE YOU IN PARAMUS NEXT YEAR!! AHEPA is the largest Greek-American association in the world with chapters in the United States, Canada, Greece, Cyprus, and sister chapters in Australia and New Zealand. It was established in 1922 by visionary Greek Americans to protect Hellenes from prejudice originating from the KKK, and in its history, AHEPA joined with the NAACP and B¢nai B¢rith International to fight discrimination. www.ahepa.org
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